Switch-operating mechanism



- Feb. 65 1923.

SWITCH OPERATING MECHANISM.

FILED DEC. 12, 1921. 2 SHEETs-sHEET l.

rmP/vfy Feb. 6, 1923. lflg. J. SACHS.

SWtTCH OPERATING MECHANISM. FILED DEC.I2,1921.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

Y @Mfg safety switches, that is,

Patented Feb. 6, 1923.

l man!) STATES dimessa JOSEPH SACHS, 0F HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT.

` SWITCH-OPERATING MECHANISM.

Application led December 12, 1921. Serial No. 521,775.

T o all whom it may concern: l

Be it known that I, JosErH SACHS, a citizen of the United States, residing at Hart-l ford, in the county of Hartford and State of Connecticut, useful Improvement in Switch-Operating Mechanism, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to a mechanism which is especially vdesigned for operating those knife blade switches which are enclosedgrin casings and y are operated by a handleon'A the outside, but the mechanism is also adaptedfor actuating other types of switches. Y

The object. of the invention is to provide aI self-contained operating mechanism of this character that is compactv and durable, easy to apply tothe switch and Vsmooth in operation, and to both make and break the circuit quickly when the handle isVv turned for closing and openin the circuit, th e mechanismV being particu arly adapted for operatlng the larger sizes of such switches but of course 1s applie-able to small switches.

l AThis object -is attained'by forming a uniti the operating of three members, one, the spindle member twhich is adapted to be slipped into connecf. tion with the switch blade oscillating spindle, another, the handle member, which has mediate member-that is turned by the handle and that through a torsion spring which is coiled about the spindle, holds the spindle member until the handle has moved the necessar'y distance to tension both the torsion spring and a spring connected with the intermediate member and carry the latter spring past center so as to release the parts and allow the spindle member to be thrown by the combined forces ofboth springs, thus causing a very quick make or break according to the direction in which the handle is turned.

In the accompanying drawingsl Figure 1 shows a side elevation of an enclosed safety switch provided with, an operating mecha nism that embodies the present invention, with the handle fin the position occupied when the circuit is'open. Fig. 2 slhows a horizontal section of the operating mechanism on the plane of its axis. Fig. 3 shows a plan oi' the mechanism attached to the side of the switch casing. Fig. 4 showsa have invented anew andv whichwill cause the blades .spective view 'looking from lever, and the third, an inter-l face view 'dof-the mechanism with the parts in the positions occupied when circuit is open. Fig. 5 is a similar view with the parts in the positions occupied when the handle is turned so as to tension the torsion and main springsv'and just before the latter swings past center and releases the parts so that the blade will be thrown by both springs into engagement with the contact clip. Fig. 6 shows the parts in the positions occupied after' the blade has been thrown by the springs into engagement with the contact clip. Fig. 7 shows the handle moved and the springs tensioned for opening the circuit.A Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the active parts looking from the outside with the locking plate lifted. Fig. 9 is a perspective viewv of the active parts looking from the inside. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the spindle member. Fig. 1l shows a perof the intermediate member the inside. Fig. 12 is a per-` spective view looking from the inside of the handlemember. 1

The switch mechanismv which forms the subject of this invention is shown as applied to the outside of the casing 1 of an enl closed safety switch. But one swinging con- -tact blade 2 of the switch is indicated, which blade is adapted to be thrown into and out of engagement with the terminal clip 3 that is. mounted on the under side of an insulating block 4 fastened in the casing. In the type of switch illustrated the blade is lswung by a plate 5 that has a hook 6 which isvadapted to be engaged by the crank spindle 7 in a manner common These parts being well known, further detailed description is unnecessary.

In the unitary mechanism which forms the subject of this invention the spindle member extends through an opening in the casing with its aXls in line with the axis of the switch blade. This member in the construction shown has a the bend of the crank passing through the we when this member slot in such mannervthat isrotated the crank spindle will be turned with it. At the middle the spindle member has a iange l() with a notch '1n its edge that provides two wallsll and 12. 0n the outtw to this style of switches.

hollow hub 8 on the lo@ inside with a slot 9 in its side and is so Vturn upon the periphery .of the hub 13 of Vwith walls 31 and 32 and a notch with walls radially side the spindle member has a hollow hub and moves the spindle and switch blade a. 13 with a slot in its side which .provides short distance.- The tension of the spiral two Walls 14 and 15. spring increases until the intermediate mem- The intermediate member is in the yform ber is turned so that the pivotal connection of a sleeve 16 that is adapted to t and of the spring rod with the lug is on the center line .between the axisof the switch the spindle member. Projecting from' one and the v-pivotal'point of the outer end of side at the inner end of the intermediate the spring rod where' it passes through the member and 'between the walls 11 and v12 hole in the cover plate, which positionA is 'of the spindle member lis a lug 17 pivoted illustrated in Fig. 5. to which is the head of a rod 18 that eX- the torsionv spring and the spiral spring tends downwardand passes loosely through are under. maximum tension and there is I outer end turned suiciently to carry the pivotal point inside lof the cover plate is a. loose washerf of the spring rod with the lug past the 21 and thrusting between this washer and the head of the rod is a` spiral spring 22. Opposite the lug the outer ed e of the intermediate member is notche I to provide the edge of the-spindle walls 23 and 24 and the inner edge of this' member. member is notched to form walls mediate member, and the engagement of the lug 17 with the wall 12'of the 'notch in member rotates that .This movement of .the`interme- 14 of the slot in the spindle member so that spring aids in throwing the spindle member. Thus after the handle has been turnedl past the centerv the :spindle member is thrown by the united forces of the spiral spring and the torsion spring, and the .switch blade `is snapped into engagement with the terminal clip, as shown inFigG. v

To open the switch the handle is turned outside of the intermediate member. The outer 'edge of the hub of the handle memberA is notched to provide walls 29 and 30 and the inner edge of the hub has la notch 33 and 34. AThe lug 17 of the intermediate member projects'into the notch between the walls 31 and 32.

Coiled about the end of the crank spin'- dle in the spindle member is the torsion in spring 35. The ends of this spring project ment of the handlel by thev engagement of into notches in the members and are the wall 32fwith the lug 17 turns'the interso torsioned that they tend to spread `or mediate member and compresses the s iral unwind. The inner end 36 of the'torsion spring. Atthe same -time the wall v2 engages the end 37 of 'increases the tension of that Near the end of this interval t-he lug engages `the wall 11 on the vspindle member and turns that member positively so as to start the blade from the clip. .The parts are then in theposition shown in Fig; 7. Further movement of the handle carries the of the notch in the inner edge of the handle member, the wall 25 of the notch in the. inner edge of the intermediate member and the wall 15 of the slot in the spindle'member. The outer end 37 of the torsion spring normally presses against the wall 29 of the notch in the outer edge of the handle member, the wall 24 of. the notch inthe outer end of the intermediate member and the wall 14 of the slot in the spindle member.

With the switch open the members farev in the relations illustrated in Fig. 4. Upon turning the handle to close the switch the inner end of the torsion spring is engaged spindle member, thus both the opemng and by-the `wall 34 and carried so as to wind up closing movements of the swltch blade are and increase the tensionl of the torsion affected by the combined forces of the two spring, for the outer end ofthe spring is springs. While the handle member has held at this interval by the wall 24 of the insome lost motion between it and the -other termediate member. During a continuation parts to permit the quick movements of the of this movement the wall 3l of the notch in the inner edge of the -handle member spring. retains it firmly in yposition at both engages with the lug 17 projecting from the limits of its path. intermediate member and turns the latter The cover plate has perforations 38 and member and compresses the spiral spring. inside of the cover plate mounted on the At this time the engagement of the lug end of the crank spindle andover the hub with the wall 12 turns the spindle member of the spindle member so as to turn therespring.

throw` the intermediate member and' complete the opening ofthe switch' as shown in 'F.ig. 4. The torsion spring being released .by

ber adds its force to' the throwing of the nu' this time both.

center, the spiral spring throws the inter-l the torsion .spring andv spiral spring past the center 'so that it can the throwing of the intermediate mem,

the opposite direction.v The first moveswitch blade when snapped the torsion y l .designed to register with the perforations tatable in the cover plate. The edge of the handle member may also have notches 41 that register with the locking plate perforations. These openings are provided so that if desired the loop of apadlock or seal may be passed through themi to lock the switch leither in its opened or closed position. Y

1 claim:

1. A switch operating mechanism comprising a rotatable member having means for attachment to a switch spindle, arotatable member having an operating handle, a rotatable intermediate member, a torsion spring coiled within thespindle member -and having its ends engaging all oit said members, and a spiralsprlng with its outer end adapted to bepivotally held and its inner end connected with the intermediate member on one side of 'the center line between the axis of the mechanism and the point of pivotalconnection of the outer end of the spring.4 i i 2. A switch operating mechanism comprising a rotatable member having means for attachment to a switch spindle, a rotatable member having an operating handle` a. rotatable intermediate member, a torsion spring coiled within the spindle' member and having its ends engaging all of said members, and a spiral spring with its outer .end adapted to be pivotally Iheld and its inner end' connected with the intermediate member on one side of the center line between the axis of the mechanism and the point of pivotal connection of the outer end of the spring, both of said springs being tensioned in the same direction by the movement of the handle and both acting to throw the spindle member when the pivotal connection of the spiral spring'with the inter,-

mediate member is moved past said center' line.

3. A switch operating mechanism comprising arotatable member having means for attachment to a. switchl spindle, a rotatable member having an operating handle, a rointermediate member, a torsion spring coiled within the spindle member and having its endsengaging all of said members, and a spiral spring. with its outer ,end adapted to be .vp-ivotally held and its inner end connected with the intermediate member on one side of the center l1ne between the axis of the mechanism and the 'point of pivotal connection of the outer end vot the spring,

both springs being tensione-d by the movement of the handle and the torsion spring Vbeing held by'rt-he intermediate member until after the handlel has moved the pivotal point of connection of the spiral spring with, the intermediateI member past said center line.

4:. A switch operating mechanism comprising a rotatable lmember having means for attachment to a switch spindle, a rotatable member having an operating handle, a rotatable intermediate member, a torsion spring coiled within 'the spindle member and having its ends engaging all of said members, and a spiral spring with its outer end adapted to be pivotall-y ;held and its inner end connected with the intermediate member on one sidel of the center line. between the axis of the. mechanism and the point of pivotal connection of the outer end of the spring, both springs being tensioned by the movement of the handle and both being released to throw the spindle member by the swinging of the spiral spring past said center line.

5. A switch operating mechanism comprising a rotatable member having means for attachment to a switch spindle, a rotatable member having lan operating handle, a rotatable intermediate member, a torsion spring coiled within the spindle member and having its ends engaging all of said members, and a spiral spring with its outer end adapted to be pivotally held and its inner end-connected with. the iintermediate member on one side of the center line between thel axis of the mechanism and the point of pivotal connection of the outer end of the. spring, both springs being tensioned by the handleand when released co-operating to throw the spindle member and the torsion spring holding the handle firmly at both limits of its movement.

6. A switch operating mechanism comprising a rotatable member having meansl for attachment to a switch spindle, a rotatablemember having an operating handle, al rotatable intermediate member, a casing enclosing said members, a torsion spring coiled within the spindle member and having its ends [engaging all of said members, and a spiral spring with its outer end adapted to be pivotallyI retained by said casing and its inner end connected with the intermediate member on one side of the centerline between the axis of the mechanism and the point of pivotal conuection of the outer end of the spring. i

7. A switch Aoperating mechanism comprising a rotatable member having means for attachment to a switch Spindle` a rotatableniember havingan operating handle, a rotatable intermediate member, ,a casing enclosing said members, a locking plate in the casingy and connected to rotate wlith the spindle member, a torsion spring coiled within the spindle member and having its ends engaging a'll of said members, and a spiral spring with its'outer end adapted to be pivotally retained by said casing and its inner end connected with the intermediate member on one side of lthe center line bepoint of pivotal connection of the outer end of the spring.

8. A switch operating mechanism comprising a rotatable tubular memb'erhaving -a slot adapted to receive a cra-nk spindle, av

rotatable member having an operating handle, 'ta rotatable intermediate member, a

torsion spring coiled within the spindle member and having itsl ends engaging all 'the point of end of the spring with the casing.

of said members, and a. spiral spring with its outer end adapted to be pivotally held and its inner end connected with the intermediate member on one side of the center line between the axis of the mechanism and the point of pivotal connection of the outer end of the spring.

^ l9. A switch operating mechanism comprising a rotatable tubular member having a slot adapted t'o receive a crank spindle, a tubular intermediate member mounted to` rotate on the spindle member, a tubular handle lmember mounted to rotate on the intermediate member, means projecting from the intermediate member and having a lost motion engagement with the lhandle member and the spindle member, a torsion spring coiled within the spindle member and having its ends engaging all of said members, and a spiral spring' with its outer end adapted to be pivotally retained by a fixed casing and its inner end connected with said means projecting from-the. inter mediate member on one sideof the center line between the axis of the mechanism and pivotal connection of the outer 10. A switch operating mechanism comprising a. rotatable tubular member having a slot adapted to receive a crank spindle, a tubular intermediate member mounted to rotateon the spindle member, said inter-v mediate member having notches in its ends, a tubular handle member mounted to rotate on the intermediatel member, saidhandle member having notches in itsends, a torsion spring coiled within the spindle member and having its ends extending into the notches of said members, means projecting from the intermediate me'mber and extending into a slot in the handle member, and a spiral spring with its outer end adapted to be pivotally vretained by an enclosing casing and its .inner' end connected with said means `projectlng from the intermediate member on one side of the center \line between the axis of the mechanism and the point of pivotal. connection of the outer end of the spring with the enclosing casing.

operating mechanism com;

11. A switchl v prising a spindle member, a handle member, an intermediate member, a spring holding all of said members in definite relation in the on and ofi' positions, and :1n/actuating spring, both of said springs being tensioned by the movement of the handle and coacting when released to lthrow the spindle member in its on and off movements.

12., A switch ,operating mechanism comprising a spindle member, a handle member, an intermediate member, said handle member having a lost motion engagement with the intermediate member, and the intermediate member having a lost motion engagement With the spindle member, a spring holding said members in definite relation in the on and ofl` positions, and an actuating spring, both of said springs being tensioned by the movement of the handle and coacting when released to throw the spindle member in its on and off movements independent of the further movement of the handle member.

13. A unitary self-contained vswitch operating mechanism adapted to be applied to the casing of an enclosed switch comprising means for connecting said mechanism to the switch, an operatinghandle, resilient actuating means arranged between the handle and said connecting means, and means adapted to tension and release the said resilient actuating means and causing said' latter means to throw the switch connecting means in both on and oli directions.

141.l A unitary self-contained switch operating mechanism adapted to be applied to the casing of an enclosed switch comprising means for connecting said mechanism to the switch, an operating handle, resilient actuating means arranged between the handle and said connecting means, and means adapted to tension said actuating means and positively move the switch connecting means, and .for releasing the said actuating means and permitting it to throw the switch connecting means in both on and off directions.

15. A unitary self-contained switch operating mechanism adapted to be applied to the casing ofan enclosed switch comprising means for connecting said.v mechanism to the switch, an operating handle, ,resilient actuating means arranged between the handle and said connecting means, and means controlled bythe movements of the handle for first causing the switch connect- 115 ing means to be moved positively and then permitting it to be thrown .by said resilient actuatingmeans in both the on and off movements.

16. A switch operating mechanism com- 120 prising a rotatable member having means for attachment to a switch spindle, a rotatable member having an operating handle,

a rotatable intermediate member, a spring' engaging all of said members and normally 125 holding them in definite relation, and a spring with its outer end pivot'ally retained and its` inner` end connected with the intermediate member'on one side of the center line between the axis of the mechanism. and 130 the point of pivotal connection ot the outer end oie the spring.

17. A switch operating mechanism comprising a rotatable member having means for attachment to a switch spindle, a rota-table member having an operating handle, a rotatable intermediate member, said mem-` bers having a common axis, a spring directly associated with all of said members and normally holding them in definite re lat-ion, and an actuating spring adapted to.

be first tensioned and then released by the movement of the handle member in both the on and oit movements. v

18. A switch operating mechanism comprising a rotatable member having means for attachment` to a switch spindle. a rotatable member having an operating handle, a rotatable intermediate member, said members being concentrically mounted on each other7 a spring directly associated with all of said members and normally holding them in definite relation, and a spring adapted to rst be tensioned and then Vreleased by the movement of the handle in both directions. 19. A switch operating mechanism com prising a rotatableI member 'having means for attachment to a switch spindle,4 a rotatable member having an operating handle, a rotatable intermediate member, said inem- .bersbeing concentrically mounted7 a coiled spring having its ends engaging all oi said members and normally holding them in defilniterelation, and a spring connected with the intermediate member and adapted to be tensioned and released tor throwing the intermediate memberl by the movement of the handle in both directions.

JSEPH SACHS. 

